There are
1725
Thornleys in the USA
Thornley is the
16624th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Thornley

WilliamThornley

William Thornley was an English artist known for his landscape paintings in the mid-19th century. His works were often focused on rural scenes and country life.

MaryThornley

Mary Thornley was an American suffragist and social reformer who played a crucial role in the women's rights movement in the early 20th century. She advocated for women's right to vote and equal opportunities in education and employment.

GeorgeThornley

George Thornley was a British politician and member of the House of Commons in the late 19th century. He represented the constituency of Stroud and was known for his advocacy of workers' rights and social welfare reforms.

AnnaThornley

Anna Thornley was an Australian actress who gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. She starred in several successful silent films and later transitioned to talkies, becoming one of the leading actresses of her time.

CharlesThornley

Charles Thornley was a British mathematician and professor known for his contributions to the field of number theory. He made significant advancements in the study of prime numbers and published several influential papers.

EmmaThornley

Emma Thornley was a British nurse who served during World War I. She worked tirelessly to care for wounded soldiers on the front lines and was known for her bravery and compassionate approach to nursing.

HenryThornley

Henry Thornley was a Scottish inventor and engineer who made notable contributions to the development of early telecommunication systems. He held several patents related to the improvement of telegraph technology.

LilyThornley

Lily Thornley was a British suffragette and women's rights activist. She was one of the leading figures in the suffrage movement in the early 20th century and organized numerous protests and demonstrations.

ThomasThornley

Thomas Thornley was an English cricketer who played as a fast bowler in the late 19th century. He represented various county teams and was known for his pace and accuracy.

SarahThornley

Sarah Thornley was an American writer and poet known for her lyrical and introspective works. She published several collections of poems and her works explored themes of nature, love, and the human experience.

Thornley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Thornley' is of English origin and is derived from a place name meaning 'thorny clearing' or 'thorny meadow.' It likely indicated a location with abundant thorn bushes or shrubs.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Thornley' is primarily found in England, particularly in the counties of Durham, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. It is also found in small numbers in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Thornley' include 'Thorny', 'Thornberry', and 'Thorndike'.
Migration and ImmigrationThere are records of individuals with the surname 'Thornley' immigrating to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of these individuals were seeking new opportunities and a better life in these countries.